Flashcards have been around since the stone age butÂ nowÂ letâ€™s take a look at a technology tool that will help ELLs learn metacognitive skills while practicing vocabulary.Â We recommend that ESL teachers use electronic flashcards on their iPods to help reinforce content and at the same time teach students valuable study skills.

Why iPods?

Everyday, teachers and students are discovering that iPods have a use beyond downloading music, movies and entertainment.Â When used creatively, iPods can bridge the classroom with the outside world. This has tremendous appeal to todayâ€™s tech savvy students- aptly named, Digital Natives. 1

There are several ways to create flashcards that can be used on your iPod. One quick and easy way is to use digital photos (jpeg, gif, or png) and create a photo album in your iTunes library.Â Take pictures of labeled objects in your classroom. After selecting the photo album, view the photo album as a slideshow by simply hitting the play button on your iPod.Â Go to the settings menu to add music from your iPod and to adjust the timing and transitions.

Through the use of iPod technology, English Language LearnersÂ can increase and reinforce academic language proficiency andÂ content area knowledge.Â Â Â The capability, versatility, and popularity of iPods among the school age demographic make it the perfect crossover teaching tool between learning in the classroom and embracing the outside world.